I want the best in dentistry--not business writing--from my dentist. But I'm still disappointed when I receive a pointless, error-filled email like the one below. In it, I have changed the name of the dental practice to "Your Favorite Dentist."...

"In my area of specialization, better business writing, I often hear that people are doing a poor job of writing something. Maybe they can’t write good contracts or grant proposals or call reports."

"Well, the interesting thing is that right now I can’t write good contracts, grant proposals, or call reports either, and I teach writing.

"I know how to write well. I would be bored and frustrated if I were sent to more training. No, if writing any of those pieces were one of my key job responsibilities, there would be something lacking in my environment.

"What would be lacking are models and job aids. I don’t have a model contract, grant proposal, etc., to use as an example. Neither do I have any guidelines on how to write them. Nor do I have a series of steps to follow, a checklist, a template, or a resource person to call with questions. What I need is a writer’s tool kit."

When is the last time you sent a card or note to a business associate? If it's that long, read on for a nudge and some inspiration. The Case for Tangible Messages Thousands of unread messages fill my email inbox,...

It's easy to fall into bad writing habits at work. Sometimes it's because we are racing. Sometimes it's because we have read enough swollen sentences, obscure acronyms, and endless messages to lower our standards. And sometimes we write on autopilot....

It's easy to fall into bad writing habits at work. Sometimes it's because we are racing. Sometimes it's because we have read enough swollen sentences, obscure acronyms, and endless messages to lower our standards. And sometimes we write on autopilot....

"Make no mistake: Rejection is incredibly painful. In fact, a 2011 study shows that social rejection can mimic physical pain. Here’s what that means for you: Whether you want to ask for a raise, court a new client, or convince another business to partner with you, you must learn how to anticipate this pain without letting it derail your efforts. You must learn to ask confidently. You must manage objections and rejections in a healthy way. Without these skills, you’ll find it difficult to make progress in your life and career," writes Jeb Blount [photo, left] in an article at FastCompany.com.

"Sales is the one profession where rejection happens on a daily basis. The top salespeople know how to control their emotions, reduce resistance to requests, turn around objections, and–ultimately–skip past nos and get to yes. You, too, can learn to implement these strategies to develop a thick skin. Here’s how."

A dear friend just told me about an embarrassing apostrophe situation she experienced at work. She had just put up a sign with the heading October Birthday's, which listed employee and member birthdays, when someone stopped and stared grimly at...